Welcome to the first edition of a new feature we're introducing, "New Orleans natives in the news." Here, we'll scour the web for tidbits on locals or ex-pats making waves around the globe. Have a link you'd like to share? E-mail me at jevans@timespicayune.com or send me a Tweet @JarmstrongTP.

The Press-Enterprise:"Richard Simmons brings health message to UCR." Richard Simmons, described in the article as "the sort of Lady GaGa of the fitness world," heads to UC Riverside this week to promote healthy living. Simmons says the fried foods of his native New Orleans is the toughest demon to kick. "They deep-fry everything there. Even when people die, they deep-fry them."

Montreal Gazette:"Canadian Baseball Hall to honor Expos legend Rusty Staub." Rusty Staub, who was 25 when he left New Orleans for Montreal, said he felt obligated to learn French, and he believes that helped him turn into an icon. He will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.